Turkey Moves to Privatize State Hospitals and Clinics

The Republican People's Party, Turkey's largest opposition party, has called for an official government clarification regarding efforts to privatize public assets, including primary healthcare clinics and state hospitals — a move that has sparked widespread concern among opposition figures and the public about the future of the country's healthcare system.

The response from Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek was terse, confining himself to referencing the legal framework governing the process and emphasizing that "assets subject to privatization are determined by presidential decree," without disclosing any additional details about the properties in question or the expected timelines.

Critics argue that this response reflects an approach that shields major decisions behind executive authority, beyond the reach of effective parliamentary oversight. Concerns are mounting that the inclusion of health facilities in privatization programs could have far-reaching social consequences for citizens most dependent on public healthcare services.